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Thursday, October 8, 2009

Ray of Sunshine

With so much negativity in the world on a daily basis, I am choosing to focus on things that are positive. I get this nifty little newsletter every so often from Dr. Zimmerman. He always has great ideas and thoughts.

Today's was this:

How do you build a positive attitude that ensures your success? Follow this "4-Day Attitude Diet," focusing on a different skill each day. And repeat the cycle until you've built an invincible attitude. I'm gonna give it a go, how bout you?

Day 1: Fill your mind with positives. Instead of living your life on autopilot, letting any and all thoughts come into your mind, consciously feed your mind positive input. Do this on the first day of every week, and do it throughout the day. Read inspirational books; listen to uplifting music, or call an upbeat person. And by all means, avoid the cynics and gripers.

Keep a journal and write down 50 wonderful things that happen to you on Day 1. Include even small things - like finding a quarter on the sidewalk - or a stranger greeting you with a cheerful "good morning." After awhile, you will realize that most of the things that happen in your life are positive.

Day 2: Affirm yourself.Remind yourself of past victories. Congratulate yourself on the good you have done and will do. And refuse to let any self-doubt enter your mind. Just tell yourself over and over, "I am filled with confidence, and I am competent."

And when you make a mistake, learn the lesson in that mistake and laugh at yourself. In fact people who can't laugh at themselves are not only more negative, they're more susceptible to cancer, stroke, and heart disease. So laugh ... and affirm the fact you're learning and growing.

Of course you may have some doubts about yourself. But on day 2, literally, consciously affirm yourself. As boxing champ Sugar Ray Robinson said, "To be a champ, you have to believe in yourself when nobody else will." And Dolly Parton added, "I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know that I'm not dumb ... and I also know that I'm not blonde."

Day 3: Think only good things about people.Don't allow ill thoughts to enter your mind. Look for something you like in everyone you meet. One person might have a great smile, and another one might be extremely dedicated to his work. You can always find something you like.

Of course, you may think this a rather Pollyannaish activity ... especially if you're working with some very difficult people. No problem. Simply see these people as giving you an opportunity to learn patience and practice assertiveness. That's something you can like.

You may have to talk yourself out of uttering negative words. If, for instance, the man at the front of the company cafeteria line seems to be holding up everyone else, you'll be tempted to make a snide remark to the person next to you. Don't do it. Instead, say, "It's kind of nice not to rush every single minute of the day.”

Refuse to use a loser's language. If you talk like a loser, you'll end up losing. As George Schultz, the former U.S. Secretary of State said, "The minute you start talking about what you're going to do if you lose, you have lost."